too many goldfinch?

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too many goldfinch?

Answered (verified) This question is answered

Hi, we need some advice please.... We have a Niger feeder in our garden and have had a pair of goldfinch.  Now we have 4 or 5 goldfinch which are the babies, and they queuing and fighting over the feeder.  Are goldfinch territorial and will the babies fly off in time, or should we place another feeder?

Verified answer
  • Hi Burlesbridge welcome to the forum from Sheffield.

    They only squabble over perches when they are feeding they are as far as i know not very territorial,i will often see them over the fields in charms(flocks) of 20 and 30..

    I can get up to 20 on my feeders (2 six port feeder and 1 four port) with sunflower hearts in them..the only thing is it's a never ending circle, the more feeders you have the more Goldies you get, along with the other finches like Greenfinches.

    Regards Alan

    My photos are on Flickr and Website

  • Hi and welcome to the forum from me in Lancashire.

    Goldfinches live together in flocks and like nothing better than eating together, so best to make sure you have enough perch room for all of them to stop the squabbles.

    Lovely little birds - I hope you enjoy them.

    Cheers, Linda.

    See my photos on Flickr

  • Welcome Burlesbridge, it's HK (HoveringKestrel) here!

    I'm with doggie, its better with more feeders, but the more feeders you put out, the more finches you get! If you put out a metal/caged hopper and put nyjer seed in it, there is space for all of your goldfinches to feed without squabbling. If this fails, put out one more feeder and even if you attract more goldies they will all eventually get their turn!

    See you soon,

    HK.

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